character: Paige Guthrie, OTA hanging out at the Mansionsetting: X-Mansioncontent: Nothing bad. summary: Doing something other than being a bookworm.

The ball ricocheted right off the rim and charged right at her; a squeal passed her lips and she ducked in surprise, glancing over shoulder to spot the wild basketball trapped under the bench. Finally she rose and wiped her hands on her jeans, walking over to retrieve it and give this another try. Basketball wasn't usually the kind of activity you'd find her partaking in, but that was only because she was a little ashamed to play in front of anyone. You'd be too if your initial reaction was to dodge an incoming basketball instead of catch it. Her incompetence didn't stop her from throwing the ball around, it just made her sly about it. Mouth twisted to the side, Paige picked up the ball, eyed it, and then threw it carelessly across the court. It was looking good there for a second, as the ball spiraled around the rim, teasing her. Paige's face glowed, ready to celebrate her victory with a cheer only to be letdown when the damned ball tipped over the rim and bounced away in its own triumph. "That ain't right," Paige mumbled, sulking her way around the court to get it.

Wondering around the grounds and going for a 'walk', which really meant he was checking out things he probably shouldn't. But he was at a school full of 'gifted youngsters'. He couldn't help but wonder about security around this place and he had slowly been checking it out in his own way since he had found his way here. It was what he did. It was who he was. That and he had been goofing off with his own powers. It was nice to have them back. What could he say, really?

But on the way back he was passing by the basketball courts to see a girl doing a horrible job at trying to make a few shots. Shaking his head sadly, he wondered on in her direction. "Dat's because you ain't doin' it right." He told her honestly. "You ever play before cher?" Remy went on, moving to take off his coat in the process. This could be interesting.

Great, someone had caught on to her sad basketball skills. Honestly, Paige hadn't even known anyone was around. Brows furrowed, she glanced between him and the ball in her hands, speaking casual, as if she wasn't at all dejected by being called out. "A few times.” She rolled the ball around to her hip, keeping a wary gaze on the man. She really hoped he didn’t think they were going to play a game of one-on-one or something. Nuh-uh, nope, Paige wasn’t much for making a fool of herself.

“Basketball ain’t one of mah strengths,” she confessed (but did she really need to?), tossing him the ball. “Might be if Ah thought ta take the time ta actually learn it.” Which, she didn’t. Not when she already had a thousand other things she was working to be best at.

Oh no. Remy certainly wasn't expecting a game. Even if she were good, he would figure himself better. There was something his own bit of natural agility. That and the energy he seemed to have at any given time. Holding his hands out, he gestured for the ball. "Maybe we see if it can be one of d'ose strengths den, eh? Maybe you not be as bad as you believe?"

He had no idea why she was trying this out on her own or why she hadn't taken time to learn it, but that wasn't his problem. Remy really didn't have anything else to do, so why not show her a few things? Maybe she would catch on and have a little fun with it, at least?

After giving him the ball, Paige laughed, "Maybe. Ah'll go ahead and give mahself the benefit of the doubt here. Ah do have that dribblin' thing down, that's gotta count for somethin'." If he was willing to help her out, she wouldn't turn him down, after all it was obvious she had the time; and it would be nice to not look like a complete idiot when she played. Not to mention, he was handsome as all get out. The teen let her eyes wander innocently while he wasn't looking (or at least when she thought he wasn't looking). Yeah, who was she kidding? Paige...couldn't say no to eye candy if she wanted to.

Hands on her hips, he stepped closer, looking between him and the hoop. "Now what ain't Ah doin' right? Mah aim ain't good enough or somethin'?"

Easily catching it, he just smirked, moving to dribble the ball with far more accuracy and skill then he probably should have. But he really was trying not to show off and did not want to make her feel bad in any way, so he did tone it down a bit. But if she was checking him out, he really wasn't paying attention to it. He was used to it. If anything, he would have been more surprised if she hadn't.

Tossing the ball up into the air, he caught it, spinning on his finger, only to make his way over to stand in front of her. "No worries. Got a sort'a natural agility." He told her, as if this was going to make up for his little offending display. Tossing the ball at the hoop, he had no problems getting it to land right into the hoop. "'Tis all in de wrist." Remy explained, trying to show her, only to take hold of her wrist and try to show her how to properly toss the ball. He even moved to stand behind her as if to prove his point, before running over and getting the ball. "Try it."

“Mmmhm.” Her eyes narrowed into a playful glare as he came back and spun the ball around his finger. Not trying to show off, huh? Could’ve fooled her! It was obviously impressive. The laughter in her throat suggested that there were no hard feelings, and quieted down to give him her attention. Paige tried not to grin too much, biting into her bottom lip while he showed her and even took control of wrist. “Seems easy enough,” she murmured, a determined expression on her face after he retrieved the basketball. To prove that it was easy enough, the blonde took the ball and bounced it around a little, sweeping a pesky curtain of hair falling over her face.

“All in the wrist,” she reiterated, holding the ball up in position. With a concentrated breath, Paige snapped her wrist the way he said to, eyes on the ball as it flew to the hoop. It would’ve been perfect...if it actually reached the hoop and not a foot to the side of it. Not even close! The corner of her mouth twitched and she gaped, a blush crossing the bridge of her nose to reach her cheeks. Well that was just ludicrous! In silence, Paige jogged toward the ball--her little cloud of shame chasing on after her--and came back. “I’ll get it right this time,” was all she said to him before resuming her position on the court again.

Holding her breath, Paige tossed the ball again a little tensely (she was really focused on getting this right), and this time it actually went in; just barely, but she’d call it an achievement. A puff of relief tumbled off her lips; turning her head to face him, she beamed all proud and then ran for the ball. “Who taught ya ta be that good?” Paige threw the ball his way. Always one for conversation, she took in a breath and glanced up at him, curious.

Yes, he could have done far worse things to show off, but she definitely didn't need to know that at this point. Watching her shoot that first time, he winced inwardly before the ball was even near the hoop. But he kept quiet about it, even nodding when she pointed that she would get it right this time, and when she did, he clapped in applause. "Confidence suites you."

Quickly catching the ball, he dribbled it some, easily smirking at her question. "Who says anyone taught me anything petite? Just tend to be a natural at dis, an' den some." Moving a little farther back from the court, he gave himself some good distance before waving her over towards him. Not waiting until she made it though, he tossed the ball almost effortlessly, only for it to bounce off the hoop a little bit, twirl twice around it and fall right inside. But Remy didn't even pay any attention, he was still show boating it as he saw fit and ran over underneath the net and grabbed the ball right after it dropped.

Making his way back to where he had been standing, he tossed the ball back to her when he was nearly there. "Why not try a lil' distance? You be gettin' more points dat way, eh?" Okay, so it was more so an excuse to move behind her closely. Putting his hands over hers, he repositioned how she had it angled and the way she was holding it, just a bit. "Mais, you got more to take into account. Distance. Lil' breeze. People on de court." Letting go though, he took a step back and to the side, permanent smirk there, motioning for her to go for it.